Claims:1. A self-heating food tray (100) comprising:
a food tray (104) comprising one or more compartments to accommodate and store one or more food items therewithin; and
a base tray (102) comprising a first cavity (102-1) adapted to accommodate a self-heating chemical pouch (108) and the food tray (104) such that the heating pouch (108) is at a bottom surface of the first cavity (102-1) and the food tray (104) is positioned at a predefined above the bottom surface of the first cavity (102-1) to allow flow of a fluid beneath the food tray (104);
wherein a first opening (102-3) of the base tray (102) allows inflow of the fluid into the first cavity (102-1) and beneath the accommodated food tray (104) such that when the fluid comes in contact with the heating pouch (108), an exothermic reaction takes place that heats the one or more food items stored in the corresponding compartments above the heating pouch (108).
2. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating pouch (108) is covered by a multilayer cover film (114) to prevent exposure of the heating pouch (108) from any or a combination of external environment and the fluid.
3. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bottom surface of the base tray (102) is attached or made of a multilayer cardboard film (102-a).
4. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein edges of the multilayer cover film (114) are sealed with the bottom multilayer cardboard (102-a) such that the heating pouch (108) is sandwiched between the multilayer cover film (114) and the multilayer cardboard (102-a) to prevent exposure of the heating pouch (108) from the external environment.
5. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a tape (110) is attached to the multilayer cover film (114), which is adapted to be pulled such that pulling the tape (110) tears off the multilayer cover film (114) and allows exposure of the heating pouch (108) with the fluid.
6. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the self-heating food tray (100) comprises a second cavity (102-2) fluidically coupled to the first cavity (102-1) by the first opening, the second cavity (102-2) adapted to accommodate a bottle (112) storing the fluid.
7. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a portion of the tape (110) is attached to a knob (112-2) of the bottle (112) through the first opening (102-3) such that rotation of the knob (112-2) in a predefined direction by a user opens the bottle cap (112-4) to allow the stored fluid to come out of the bottle (112) and reach beneath the food tray (104) in the first cavity (102-1), and also pulls the tape (110) applied on the multilayer cover film (114) to tear off the the multilayer cover film (114) and expose the heating pouch (108), thereby allowing interaction of the heating pouch (108) with the fluid to initiate the exothermic reaction and heat the one or more food items.
8. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a portion of the knob (112-2) is at least partially extending out of the base tray (102) through a second opening (102-4) to allow a user to rotate the knob.
9. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating pouch (108) is positioned beneath a specific section of the food tray (104) to heat a specific food item among the one or more food items, and restrict heating of other food items.
10. The self-heating food tray (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the self-heating food tray (100) comprises a lid (106) adapted to be positioned and secured over the base tray (102).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[1] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of self-heating food packaging. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items. It has stored water and a heating material therewithin for the controlled heating of either a specific section of stored food items or all the stored food items together. whenever required. It also has safety mechanism which restricts accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water.

BACKGROUND
[2] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[3] Food containers are widely used by different food manufacturers, restaurants, and travelers to pack, carry or deliver food items. One problem with most beverages, ready-to-eat food items, and other products is that they are not hot straight out of the container. Rather, they must be heated by external means. These containers are either made up of food-grade plastic or aluminum. These types of packed food items are either used directly to consume or placed in the microwave for few minutes to heat and then consume, except for food packed in metal containers which cannot be heated with a microwave. Further, most of the containers are not microwave friendly and cannot be placed in the microwave for heating. The food items of these containers are required to be emptied in another container and heated over a stove or heater.
[4] Although instant teas or soups or some noodles can be heated by adding hot or boiling water to the container. This assumes that the user has access to a supply of hot water, which is not possible most of the time. For example, the user may be outdoors or otherwise without access to microwaves, stoves, electricity, or heating fuel. Further, in emergencies, instant access to heated beverages, food, or other products may be vital to survival.
[5] Patent document US5220909 titled “self-heating individual meal module” discloses a self-heating tray in which a bottom tray contains a heater and saline solution and on top of it a food tray is placed. Upon releasing saltwater, comes in contact with the heater, it starts heating, and thus the food tray is heated. One of the disadvantages of the disclosed patent is that both reactants are placed together and the user needs to just remove the barrier to start reacting to them. This type of barrier which is designed to be removed easily. also has a greater chance of accidental removal or as both reactants are supplied in a single package there is always a possibility of accidental release of reactant during transport.
[6] Patent document JP2007275170A titled “Chemical heat generating device and portable food container with chemical heat generating device” discloses a food container that has an in-built heating system. The heater is placed and sealed with a water-impermeable layer. Another water pouch is placed above it and has a tearing string which upon pulling tears down the water pouch and water flows towards the heater. The heater thus activates and heats the food tray kept above it. One major disadvantage of the disclosed patent is that the heater and its activator are in a single system, which upon accidental damage during transport or drop form height could break the water pouch and activate the heater.
[7] Patent document CN212606576U “Self-heating food package box of pre-packaging” discloses a pre-packaged self-heating food packaging box, which comprises a box body. An inner box is embedded inside the box body, a lower cavity is arranged between the inner box and the bottom of the box body, and an upper cavity is arranged between the inner box and an upper cover of the box body. A heating bag and a water bag are arranged in the lower cavity, and food is placed in the inner box. Further, the box body or the upper cover is provided with a switch that can open the soup bag and the water bag respectively/simultaneously to moisten the heating bag. One major disadvantage of the disclosed patent is that the heating bag and water are in a single system, which upon accidental damage during transport or drop from height could break the water pouch and activate the heating element. Besides, the overall package is complex, bulky, and involves various non-biodegradable materials.
[8] Patent document WO2020106070A1 titled “Food receptacle using heating element” discloses a food receptacle using a heating element. The disclosed patent includes an outer receptacle accommodating a heating element, which reacts with water and radiates heat and having on one corner a first extension portion that extends outward and an inlet channel which is formed on the inner side of the first extension portion and allows water to flow to the inside. An inner receptacle which is for storing food therein is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer receptacle, is coupled to the top of the outer receptacle, and has on one corner a second extension portion for closing the inlet channel by being coupled to the first extension portion of the outer receptacle. Therefore, water can be injected to the heating element by opening the inlet channel of the outer receptacle without having to remove the inner receptacle, and thus convenience is increased. However, the disclosed patent requires a user to carry and arrange water for activating the heating element, which is not available everywhere.
[9] Patent document US20170042374A1 titled “Thermal food container” discloses a food container (e.g., tray) with a thermal reagent adhesively attached to its outer surfaces reacts with water. The attached reagent undergoes an endothermic or exothermic reaction in the presence of water. A burstable water pouch releases water for the reaction into a lower container when the food container is pressed into the lower container, with the pouch therebetween. A removable impervious plastic film protects the attached reagent while in storage. Multiple reagent layers may be separated by a water-soluble plastic film to provide a prolonged thermal reaction. This type of plastic film has a greater chance of accidental removal or as both reactants are supplied in a single system there is always a possibility of accidental release of reactant during transport. Besides, there is no provision of stored water in the food container, and the user is required to carry and arrange additional water for activating the heating element, which is not available everywhere.
[10] In addition, the above-disclosed patent documents fail to provide a multi-cavity self-heating food container that is capable of heating a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together as required. Besides, they fail to restrict the accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water, and also fail to restrict false activation of the self-heating material.
[11] There is, therefore, a requirement in the art to provide a solution for obviating above mentioned problems, drawbacks, and shortcomings and restrict accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water, and restrict false activation of the self-heating material.. Further, there is a need to provide an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items, which has water and the self-heating material in the tray for the controlled and un-accidental heating process of either a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together when required.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[12] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[13] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items.
[14] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items, which has water and a self-heating material in the tray for the controlled and un-accidental heating process of the food items.
[15] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items, which allows heating of either a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together as required.
[16] It is an object of the present disclosure to restrict the accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water.
[17] It is an object of the present disclosure to restrict false activation of the self-heating material.
[18] It is an object of the present disclosure to fabricate multi-compartment self-heating food tray with eco-friendly materials which reduce the usage of plastic.

SUMMARY
[19] The present disclosure relates to an efficient and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and self-heating food items, which has stored water and a self-heating material therewithin for controlled heating of either a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together when required, and which restricts accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water, and false activation of the self-heating material.
[20] According to an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a multi-compartment self-heating food tray (also referred to as self-heating food tray) for storing, packaging, and self-heating food items. The self-heating food tray includes a base tray having a first cavity (tray cavity) adapted to accommodate a self-heating chemical pouch and a food tray therewithin such that the heating pouch remains at the bottom of the base tray and the food tray remains at a safe distance above the heating pouch to allow fluid such as water, and the likes to flow beneath the food tray. The base tray and the food tray are made of eco-friendly materials. The food tray includes multiple compartments adapted to accommodate and store food items. The interaction of the heating pouch with water initiates an exothermic reaction that heats the food items stored in the corresponding compartments above the heating pouch. The self-heating food tray comprises a lid adapted to be positioned and secured over the base tray
[21] The heating pouch is covered by a multilayer cover film to prevent exposure of the heating pouch to the external environment and restrict accidental interaction of water with the heating pouch, thereby restricting false activation of the heating pouch. The bottom surface of the base tray is attached or made of multilayer cardboard film or other eco-friendly material. Further, the edges of the multilayer cover film are sealed with the bottom multilayer cardboard such that the heating pouch is sandwiched between the multilayer cover film and the multilayer cardboard to prevent exposure of the heating pouch from the external environment.
[22] A tape is attached to the multilayer cover film of the heating pouch, which is adapted to be pulled by a user such that pulling the tape tears off the multilayer cover film to expose the heating pouch, which allows interaction of the exposed heating pouch with the fluid when required. So even if the stored water tears or leaks during transportation, or by accident, the heater pouch is still safe as it is covered with the multilayer cover film, which protects it from environmental moisture as well as accidental water leakage.
[23] In an aspect, the self-heating food tray includes a second cavity (bottle cavity) fluidically coupled to the tray cavity by an opening provided between the tray cavity and the bottle cavity. The bottle cavity is adapted to accommodate a bottle storing water, which is used to supply water to the heating pouch when required. A portion of the tape of the heating pouch is attached to a knob covering cap of the bottle through the opening such that rotation of the cap in a particular direction by the user to open the bottle, pulls the tape and allows the stored fluid to come out of the bottle and reach beneath the food tray in the tray cavity. This allows exposure of the heating pouch with the water. A portion of the knob is extending out of the food tray through another opening to allow the user to rotate the knob, thereby pulling the tape of the heating pouch and allowing the flow of the stored fluid into the first cavity.
[24] The heating pouch may be positioned beneath a specific section of the food tray to heat a specific food item among the multiple food items stored in the compartments of the food tray and restrict heating of other food items. For instance, the heating pouch may be of a particular size and may be positioned beneath two compartments among five compartments of the food tray such that the food items present in the two compartments can be heated, and the food items in the remaining three compartments remain unaffected. This feature is essential as in a multi-cavity food container, some food items are placed which are good to eat cold and do not require heating. This modification not only serves the purpose of sectional heating but also makes the product more effective in terms of heat energy utilization.
[25] As a result, the present invention provides an efficient and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and self-heating food items, which has stored water and a self-heating material therewithin for controlled heating of either a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together when required, and which restricts accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water, and false activation of the self-heating material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[26] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[27] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[28] FIGs. 1A-1D illustrates exemplary views of a first embodiment of the proposed self-heating food tray in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[29] FIG. 1E illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed self-heating food tray of FIGs. 1A-1D, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[30] FIG. 1F illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the bottle of the proposed self-heating food tray, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[31] FIGs. 2A-2D illustrates exemplary views depicting assembling of the proposed self-heating food tray, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[32] FIGs. 3A &3B illustrate exemplary views depicting steps involved for operating the proposed self-heating food tray to enable interaction of stored water with the chemical pouch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[33] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[34] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[35] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[36] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[37] The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.
[38] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[39] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[40] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items, which has stored water and a heating material therewithin for the controlled heating of either a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together when required, and which restricts accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water, and false activation of the self-heating material.
[41] In an aspect, the self-heating food tray includes a food tray including one or more compartments to accommodate and store one or more food items therewithin, and a base tray including a first cavity adapted to accommodate a self-heating chemical pouch and the food tray such that the heating pouch is at a bottom surface of the first cavity and the food tray is positioned at a predefined above the bottom surface the first cavity to allow flow of a fluid beneath the food tray. A first opening of the base tray allows inflow of the fluid into the first cavity and beneath the accommodated food tray such that when the fluid comes in contact with the heating pouch, an exothermic reaction takes place that heats the one or more food items stored in the corresponding compartments above the heating pouch.
[42] In an embodiment, the heating pouch is covered by a multilayer cover film to prevent exposure of the heating pouch from any or a combination of external environment and the fluid.
[43] In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the base tray is attached or made of a multilayer cardboard film.
[44] In an embodiment, edges of the multilayer cover film are sealed with the bottom multilayer cardboard such that the heating pouch is sandwiched between the multilayer cover film and the multilayer cardboard to prevent exposure of the heating pouch from the external environment.
[45] In an embodiment, a tape is attached to the multilayer cover film, which is adapted to be pulled such that pulling the tape tears off the multilayer cover film and allows exposure of the heating pouch with the fluid.
[46] In an embodiment, the self-heating food tray includes a second cavity fluidically coupled to the first cavity by the first opening. The second cavity is adapted to accommodate a bottle storing the fluid.
[47] In an embodiment, a portion of the tape of the heating pouch is attached to a knob which attaches with the cap of the bottle through the first opening. Once user rotate the knob in preferred direction it opens the cap, to allow the stored fluid to come out of the bottle and reach beneath the food tray in the first cavity and also tears off the multilayer cover film to expose the heating pouch, thereby allowing interaction of the exposed heating pouch with the fluid to initiate the exothermic reaction and heat the one or more food items.
[48] In an embodiment, a portion of the knob is at least partially extending out of the base tray through a second opening to allow a user to rotate the it. rotating the knob cause opening the cap of the bottle and pulling the tape of the heating pouch simultaneously and allowing the flow of the stored fluid into the first cavity.
[49] In an embodiment, the heating pouch is positioned beneath a specific section of the food tray to heat a specific food item among the one or more food items and restrict heating of other food items.
[50] In an embodiment, the self-heating food tray includes a lid adapted to be positioned and secured over the base tray.
[51] Referring to FIGs. 1A-3B, in an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a multi-cavity self-heating food tray 100 (also referred to as self-heating food tray 100) for storing, packaging, and self-heating food items. The self-heating food tray 100 includes a base tray 102 including a first cavity 102-1 (also referred to as food tray cavity 102-1), which is open from the top and having a predefined depth and a peripheral frame around the first cavity 102-1. The self-heating food tray 100 includes a food tray 104 including multiple compartments (also designated as 104, herein) that are adapted to accommodate and store one or more food items. The self-heating food tray 100 includes a heating chemical pouch 108 positioned at bottom of the first cavity 102-1. The self-heating food tray 100 further includes a lid 106 adapted to be positioned and secured over the base tray 102.
[52] The shape and dimension of the food tray 104 and the base tray 102 are selected and fabricated such that the base tray 102 accommodates the food tray 104 therewithin such that the rim of the food tray 104 rests on the peripheral frame of the base tray 102, and the food tray 104 remains at a safe distance (vertically) above the heating pouch 108 to allow fluid such as water, and the likes to flow into the first cavity 102-1 through a first opening 102-3, and beneath the food tray 104 to interact with the heating pouch 108 when required. This interaction of the heating pouch 108 with water coming from the first opening 102-3 initiates an exothermic reaction that heats the food items stored in the compartment(s) 104 above the heating pouch 108.
[53] In an exemplary embodiment, the base tray 102, the food tray 104 is made of aluminuum or plastic or bio-degradable composite material, and the lid 106 is made of eco-friendly materials such as cardboard, and bio-degradable composite material, but not limited to the likes.
[54] In an embodiment, the heating pouch 108 is covered by a multilayer cover film 114 to prevent exposure of the heating pouch 108 to the external environment and restrict accidental interaction of water with the heating pouch 108, thereby restricting false activation of the heating pouch 108. Further, the edges of the multilayer cover film 114 are sealed with the bottom multilayer cardboard film or base tray 102-a such that the heating pouch 108 is sandwiched between the multilayer cover film 114 and the multilayer cardboard 102-a of the base tray 102 to prevent exposure of the heating pouch 104 from the external environment.
[55] In an embodiment, a tape or string 110 is attached to the multilayer cover film 114 of the heating pouch 108, which is adapted to be pulled by a user when the user rotates the knob 112-2, such that pulling the tape 110 tears off the multilayer cover film 114 to expose the heating pouch and allows interaction of the heating pouch 108 with the fluid to initiate the exothermic reaction when required. As a result, even if the water tears or leaks into the first cavity 102-1 during transportation, or by accident, the heater pouch 108 remains safe as it is covered with the multilayer cover film 114, which protects it from environmental moisture as well as accidental water leakage.
[56] In an embodiment, the base tray 102 includes a second cavity 102-2 (bottle cavity) fluidically coupled to the first cavity 102-1 by through the first opening 102-3 provided between the first cavity 102-1 and the second cavity 102-2. The bottle cavity 102-2 is adapted to accommodate a bottle 112 having a hollow body 112-1 for storing water or other fluid, which is used to supply water to the heating pouch in the first cavity 102-1 when required. A knob 112-2 is snap fitted to the bottle cap 112-4 in a way that they became a single body. Upon rotating knob 112-2 also rotates bottle cap 112-4. A portion of the tape 110 applied on the multilayer cover film 114 is attached to the knob 112-2 of the bottle 112 through the first opening 102-3 such that rotation of the knob 112-2 in a particular direction by the user opens an outlet 112-3 of the bottle 112, pulls the tape 110 and allows the stored water to come out of the outlet 112-3 and reach beneath the food tray 104 in the first cavity 102-1. This allows exposure or interaction of the heating pouch 108 with the water.
[57] In an embodiment, a portion of the knob 112-2 is extending out of the base tray 102 or second cavity 102-2 through a second opening 102-4 to allow the user to rotate the knob 112-2 without opening the lid 106, thereby pulling the tape 110 applied on the multilayer cover film 114 to tear off the multilayer cover film 114 and allowing the flow of the stored water into the first cavity 102-1 where it interacts with the heater 108. The first cavity 102-1 includes a tape support member 116 that supports the tape 110 extending between the cover film 114 of the heating pouch 108 and the knob 112-2 of the bottle 112.
[58] In an implementation, the heating pouch 108 is positioned beneath a specific section of the food tray 104 to heat a specific food item among the multiple food items stored in the compartments of the food tray 104 and restrict heating of other food items. For instance, the heating pouch 108 can be of a particular size and can be positioned beneath some of the compartments of the food tray such that the food items present in the corresponding compartments can be heated, and the food items in the remaining compartments remain unaffected. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that this feature is essential as in a multi-cavity food container, some food items are placed which are good to eat cold and do not require heating. This modification not only serves the purpose of sectional heating but also makes the product more effective in terms of heat energy utilization.
[59] Accordingly, the embodiment of the present invention provides an efficient and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and self-heating food items, which enables controlled heating of either a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together when required, and which restricts accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the water, and false activation of the self-heating material.
[60] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[61] The present invention provides an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items.
[62] The present invention provides an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items, which has water and a self-heating material in the tray for the controlled and un-accidental heating process of the food items.
[63] The present invention provides an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly multi-compartment self-heating food tray for storing, packaging, and heating of food items, which allows heating of either a specific stored food item or all the stored food items together as required.
[64] The present invention restricts the accidental interaction of the self-heating material with the stored water.
[65] The present invention restricts false activation of the self-heating material.
[66] The present invention fabricates a multi-compartment self-heating food tray with eco-friendly materials which reduce the usage of plastic.